Train between Ukraine and Bulgaria to launch in June

Work is actively underway on a new international passenger rail route Kyiv — Bucharest — Ruse — Varna. The initiative was discussed in early April in Kyiv at the ministerial level, and representatives of the railway companies of Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Romania, as well as the Border Police, later met in Ruse. Since then, experts have been doing everything possible to launch train services along the route as early as June, which is an important step toward improving regional transport connectivity.

Initially, the passenger rail service will be introduced as a seasonal offering during June, July, and August, operating daily. Ticket pricing is expected to be finalized shortly to ensure a balanced solution for all stakeholders involved.

According to preliminary information, the primary focus is on passenger transportation. The new route is expected to make travel between the countries more convenient, accessible, and predictable, especially amid growing demand for alternative modes of transport.

At the same time, experts emphasize that the development of passenger transport infrastructure automatically creates conditions for expanding freight transportation. This, in turn, opens up new opportunities for business and international trade.

The launch of such a route has strategic importance for several reasons. Firstly, it will help improve logistics between Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria. Secondly, it will enable the expansion of export corridors and increase transport efficiency. In addition, the partial shift of traffic from road to rail transport will help reduce congestion on highways. The environmental aspect is also important: rail transport is considered more energy-efficient and less harmful to the environment compared to road transport.

During the first three months, the line’s capacity and demand will be assessed, and if the results are positive, it may become a year-round service. In this case, the route could become one of the longest railway routes in Europe.